Juncos confirms Indy Lights advance for VeeKay

Juncos confirms Indy Lights advance for VeeKay

Juncos Racing has confirmed that the reigning Pro Mazda champion Rinus VeeKay will return to the team for the 2019 Indy Lights Championship. VeeKay is the first driver named to the championship-winning Indy Lights team’s line-up.

Dutchman VeeKay scored seven wins and six pole positions en route to this year’s Pro Mazda — renamed Indy Pro 2000 for 2019 — crown. By claiming the title, VeeKay was awarded a Mazda scholarship and will make his move up to the final step of the Road to Indy ladder in joining the Indy Lights series.

“I really feel at home with Juncos Racing,” said VeeKay. “I think I can improve my performance and get better with this team, and that is extremely important for my next goal, the IndyCar Series. It’s also great to see that the team work extremely hard for me. Last season they proved that, after a setback, they can come back better than ever before and that they do everything they can to be successful. The 2015 and 2017 Indy Lights titles prove that.

“I’m really looking forward to working together with Ricardo (Juncos, team owner) and his team again and to being successful together. I would also like to thank Jumbo, La Place and KNAF Talent First for their ongoing support. I’m also really proud to represent Mazda in Indy Lights next season as their last scholarship winner.”

VeeKay began testing the Dallara IL-15 with Juncos Racing at the 2018 Chris Griffis Test and recently completed the Road to Indy Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

“We are thrilled to have Rinus continue with our team for the 2019 Indy Lights season after an extremely successful year in Pro Mazda,” Ricardo Juncos said. “Rinus has proved that he is ready for the next level of the Road to Indy through his work ethic both on and off the track. The level of training he goes through and the time he commits to developing himself as a driver shows the dedication and passion he has to take his career to the next level. We developed a great relationship throughout the 2018 season and look forward to carrying that momentum into next year. I would like to thank Rinus, his family, and sponsors for their commitment to Juncos Racing.”

The 2019 Indy Lights Championship opens March 8-10 with Rounds 1 and 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida.